Expert: Sue Bernstein - 5/28/2008

Question
I had to end up cancelling a contract with my agent/broker due to many problems, but she is refusing to cancel.  She reluctantly took the keybox from my house but refuse to return my original keys.  Since I live outside of the state, it's hard for me to "drop by" her office to pick up the keys to my house.  I have been trying to contact her but she isn't return my calls either.  What do I need to do to have her return my keys so I can give it to my new agent?

Answer
Zack,

I am a little confused.  You say that you cancelled the listing but your old agent has refused to cancel.  If you don't have a mutually cancelled listing you might still be on the hook to the first agent.  If the listing is definitely cancelled have your new agent contact her and pick up the keys and if she does not cooperate call her manager.  If you still have no luck you might want to just have a locksmith go out and make new keys.  Your new agent should be able to do that for you.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Sue Bernstein